Senior Director of Veterinary Epidemiology, Shelter Research and Development, ASPCA

Dr. Slater obtained her DVM from Cornell University in 1986 and spent a year in small animal practice. She returned to Cornell to complete a PhD in epidemiology in 1990 and subsequently joined the faculty at Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the ASPCA in 2008, Dr. Slater was a Professor of Epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. Her focus has been on health and disease in companion animals, including research on chronic diseases, questionnaire evaluation and pet overpopulation. Dr. Slater is internationally recognized for her work on the sources, problems and potential solutions for free-roaming cats and dogs. She also has extensive teaching experience at the undergraduate, graduate and professional student levels. Dr. Slater currently provides epidemiological and statistical support for staff across the ASPCA, with emphasis on animal shelter focused research.

Veterinarians have a critical role in emergency management in helping assure that animals are included in all plans and responses. This role affords all of us another way to become active in our communities and provide expert care. Dr. Schwarz, a noted and active participant and advocate for organized veterinary medicine, will talk to us about how veterinarians and technicians can get involved in local and state plans in Massachusetts.

Science and Law of Police Dogs

John Ensminger, Esq.

Mr. Ensminger's current research focuses on canine scent identification and criminal prosecution applications. Author of Service and Therapy Dogs in American Society: Science, Law and the Evolution of Canine Caregivers and Police and Military Dogs: Criminal Detection, Forensic Evidence and Judicial Admissibility. He will share his expertise on the scientific and forensics research affecting police dog work, particularly regarding olfactory capabilities.

What is an animal worth?

Jerrold Tannenbaum

Professor, Veterinary and Animal Ethics and Law, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; Adjunct Professor, UC Davis School of Law

Having taught professional ethics at veterinary schools for 27 years; also teaching Animal Law and Agricultural Law, Mr. Tannenbaum speaks frequently to veterinarians, veterinary students, scientists, and humane societies on ethical and legal issues relating to veterinary practice and animals. He is Founder and former President of the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, author of Veterinary Ethics, the first comprehensive book on veterinary ethics.

Live Stock, Dead Meat: A Brief History of the Slaughterhouse

Paula Lee, PhD

Writer

A cultural historian specializing in Modern France and the United States, Paula Lee holds a doctorate from the University of Chicago. Her current research emphasizes patterns of animal captivity and the cultural politics of meat. Her scholarly books include Meat, Modernity, and the Rise of the Slaughterhouse (2008); and Gorgeous Beasts: Animal Bodies in Historical Perspective (with Joan Landes and Paul Youngquist, forthcoming). Her work has been supported by numerous agencies, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute for Humanities Research at Arizona State University, and the Humane Society of the United States.

Application of Forensic Science to Animal Cruelty

Melinda D. Merck, DVM

Veterinary Forensics Consulting, LLC

Dr. Melinda Merck is a forensic veterinarian who assists investigators of animal cruelty with crime scene investigation, as well as the examination of live and deceased victims. She helps with large scale operations that include exhumations of burial sites and examination of skeletal animal remains. She frequently testifies as a veterinary forensic expert for animal cruelty cases around the country, including cases involving animal fighting, neglect and trauma. Formerly the ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensic Science, she is currently a professor at the University of Florida and a member of the Board of Directors for North American Veterinary Conference.

Companion Animals are Public Health, too!

Ken Gorczyca, DVM

Co-Founder, PAWS

Dr. Ken Gorczyca is a veterinarian and co-founder of PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support), a non-profit organization for pet owners with HIV. He has educated the general public about the minimal risks of zoonoses versus the significant health benefits of animal companionship. His work on the publication of Safe Pet Guidelines, creating the PAWS Education Committee and establishing the PAWS Veterinary Externship Program all increased understanding among medical health professionals. He is also the executive secretary for the LGVMA (Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association). In 2010, Dr. Gorczyca was awarded the AVMA's Leo Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year.